Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Heat up the coconut oil in an iron skillet. Chop up the Onion mushrooms and pepper and toss on skillet to brown slightly. Mix up the eggs in a bowl and add pour on the skillet. Stir as egg begins to cook to prevent burning.

Top with something spicy, I like organic turmeric powder on my eggs, but hot sauce works well too.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

We have been misguided and misinformed when it comes to a healthy diet. You see the commercials or advertisements everyday from the large companies that manufacture these so called "healthy meals and snacks", whether it's on TV, on the radio, in a magazine, or even in the news, and for this I say we as a society cannot be totally to blame. Sure it's our bodies and ultimately our health, but in today's world of information (more than we know what to do with and coming from all angles) it can be very easy to be mislead.

So what exactly am I referring to when I talk about a "misguided healthy diet", let me explain. Most people believe that they are healthy if they trade in the cookies and chips for granola bars, or those deadly sugar filled cereals for those that are labeled "whole grain" or "fat free" or "sugar free" (but made by the same companies of course), or even when they trade in the pizza or fast food lunches for those lunch meat sandwiches.

Now are the alternatives listed above healthier than the substituted food, yes, but the truth is all you are really doing is trading in one processed food for another. Sure it's a step in the right direction, per say, but it's still the wrong path. You're being misled by these large food manufactures, into believing they have your better interest in mind...wrong! They have simply noticed that people are starting to become a little more health conscious, and refuse to lose the business.

The fact is the only true healthy diet is one consisting of (about 90% at least) fresh organic whole foods. These foods contain all of the nutrients nature intended for us to get, without the chemicals, refined sugars and flowers, and fillers and other additives you get from processed foods. So the next time you go to reach for something healthy try to think of all the processing steps it took to get from the earth (or the lab) to your mouth, and reconsider that next bite.

Friday, April 24, 2009

With allergy season already upon us it's important we have a healthy diet consisting of fresh organic fruits and vegetables in order to maintain a strong and healthy immune system. Our bodies require curtain key nutrients in order to maintain an ideal healthy state, especially when we are battling the inflammatory responses to an allergic reaction (food or environmental). It is crucial that we support or immune systems with adequate doses of these key nutrients; vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as some of natures other natural helpers such as flavonoids and polyphenols, all of which can be obtained from a healthy diet.

So instead of turning to your local drug store the next time your eyes get red and irritated, your sinuses start acting up, and what every other symptoms your allergies may cause, try turning to natures medicine cabinet. In there you'll find a plethora of fresh whole foods (just the way nature intended) ranging from fruits and vegetables, to whole grains, to freshly ground spices, to many other natural wonders of the food world such as raw honey.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Why is it that most people feel more comfortable putting the health and well being of themselves and their families in the hands of scientists (pharmaceutical companies) who have very little, if any at all, knowledge about the human body and are simply racing to create the next Billion Dollar Drug, yet they are very skeptical when it comes to those professionals who are schooled in and take a more natural approach to healing.

The plain truth is your body needs curtain key nutrients to maintain a healthy state, and despite what many doctors (or patients for that matter) are taught to believe, these same nutrients can be used to cure many health problems. Unfortunately we (as a society) have veered so far off the right path that it's no wonder people can't see otherwise.

Processed foods have become a staple in the average American kitchen, yet these same foods would be better classified as science experiments...just read the labels. If a food is processed to the point that it loses most if not all of its nutrients, has chemicals added to it to maintain consistency and extend its shelf life and to give it much needed flavor, and then is fortified with synthetic nutrients to bring it back to a level in which the FDA will consider it a food, is it actually a food?

If we (as a society) can get back to a healthy diet consisting of real foods, than it will only be a matter of time until we begin to question those who we consider "health care professionals" and their methods of treatment.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

We as a society tend to be sticklers when it comes to doing our research prior to making any "significant" purchases. I draw attention to the word significant though, because I feel our priorities in this area a bit mixed up.

Most people, prior to purchasing a car will do tons of research (especially for a used vehicle) as far as prior owners, usage history (city or highway), accident history, and any major repairs that may have been done. Some people even go to the extent of bringing the vehicle to a mechanic they trust prior to making the purchase. We do the same thing prior to purchasing a home, with all of the documents/certificates we demand, not to mention the home inspector we pay to scrutinize the integrity of any and all major components.

These are all good examples of a smart buyer, but we tend to lack this bit of intelligence when it comes to buying food. Our health is the most important thing we have; it can be the difference between living a long pain free disease free life, and suffering with medical issues our entire life. So why then do most people choose to play the ignorance card when it comes to feeding themselves and their families? Wouldn't it make sense to want to know a little bit about what it is you're consuming on a daily basis. Wouldn't you want to know that the eggs, poultry, or beef you eat come from chickens or cows that were allowed to graze freely on what nature intended them to eat, rather than fed an unnatural diet consisting of meds/synthetic nutrients/ground up animal parts (for added protein and fat)/and corn and grains (especially for cows with a digestive system that is designed to digest grasses).

An unhealthy chicken, cow, or pig makes for an unhealthy person consuming these foods. So don't be afraid to do your research and learn a little bit about what you're about to eat.

Friday, April 17, 2009

There are many great tasting healthy alternatives for milk for those who suffer from a dairy allergy or are simply trying to stay away from dairy for other health reasons (my wife fall into a combination of both). I have some of these listed under Dairy Replacements, but I just wanted to give a little more info about each...

My favorite is Pacific's Organic Oat Milk, it has a rich creamy flavor and makes for a great milk replacement. It's probably one of the few that I've found (taste wise) that works well in cereal, in recipes, or simply enjoyed by the glass.

Another great milk alternative is Pacific Organic Almond Milk (it comes in plain or vanilla flavored). It's not as creamy as the oat milk, but still works well in both cereals and cooking recipes (especially good for those with a gluten allergy).

Now it skim milk is what you're use to than try Pacific All Natural Rice Milk, it comes in both regular and vanilla flavored. It's my least favorite choice and probably won't give your recipes much flavor, but it is a good dairy alternative for skim milk lovers.

Finally, sticking with Pacific Natural Food brand products, they also make an All Natural Hazel Nut Milk. I've never tried this one, but I am very curious to know what it tastes like.

I left out goat milk for a reason, it's not always an option for those with a dairy allergy (i suggest being tested first) and it has a very goaty flavor. Trust me goaty although not a word according to the Webster dictionary is the best adjective to describe the flavor. So try these great dairy alternatives for yourself, you're sure to fall in love with one of them!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

For quite some time I suffered from the frustrating debilitating and detrimental side effects of food allergies that conventional doctors and western medicine could not diagnose let alone cure. Their response to my later diagnosed soy allergy (swollen painful itchy fingers and toes) was pills and creams (steroids/anti inflammatories/antihistamines); none of which aided in my recovery, and all of which were like poison to an already compromised immune system.

My luck with the later diagnosed dairy allergy I was suffering from was just as poor when I was following the more traditional path of health and wellness; mask the symptoms instead of fixing the problem. Even a Proctologist, who is supposed to be an expert in the gastro-intestinal workings, gave no mention to food allergies as the possible cause of the intestinal issues I was experiencing. Prescription medication and over the counter pro biotics was his only advice.

It was not until I got fed up with western medicine and turned to a natural approach to health and wellness did I (with the help of my kinesiologist) find the root cause of my problem (the dairy and soy allergies), which not only put an end to the reactions but fixed the damage caused by years of neglect (or oversight) on my part. So don't be afraid to question your doctor, or the traditional approach to health care for that matter, because in the end your health and wellbeing is in your hands!

Monday, April 13, 2009

It's important to maintain a healthy diet both full of fresh organic whole foods as well as allergen free (if applicable), but you should never have to sacrifice taste and variety when it comes to that timeless question, "What's for dinner?".

I originally started this blog to answer that very question, and although it's broadened its reach, becoming a good well-rounded site for many other diet, health, and natural healing facts and info, at the core it remains a place where someone living with these "dietary roadblocks" can come for direction. I regularly try to update my already extensive list of Dairy and Soy food replacements, as well as post new fun and exciting recipes as they become available.

I still get excited every time my wife and I come up with a work-around for some dish that most people would think impossible for someone with my food allergies to enjoy, especially knowing that there are many others out there that suffer from the same (or similar) food allergies.

-Preheat oven to 450 degrees(if using a pizza stone warm it in the oven)-Heat up olive/canola oil in an iron skillet & brown the tortilla. -Lay out the tortilla on a pizza stone or baking pan and add the tomato sauce, artichokes, black olives, onions, peppers, and goat cheese.-Cook Pizza for about 15min-Enjoy!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Spring is officially here, and even with April still on that "weather cusp" of two very different seasons it only takes a few days in the sunny sixties for us to see it in all its beauty. Spring means flowers and all of the vibrant colors and smells that go along with them. My wife's favorite is the daffodil, the quintessential spring time flower if there ever was one. A perfect symbol of spring itself…here for a short time in all its beauty, then without any warning disappearing into the backdrop of summer only to reappear next year.

Flowers aren't the only thing the warmer weather has to offer though, where there's flowers there's weeds. But before you set off on your summertime mission to kill all those lawn intruders, you may want to consider the health benefit of the most notorious off them all...the dandelion. You may be surprised to know that the dandelion is ranked in the top 5 most nutritional green vegetables you can eat. This pesky little menace has been proven to aid in many common health issues; ranging from supporting liver function, cholesterol, gastro-intestinal issues, blood disorders, as well as being effective in preventing curtain cancers.

So the next time you find yourself face to face with your lawn nemesis, consider going down to your local health food store, farm stand, or grocery store and stock up on one of nature’s super foods.

Monday, April 6, 2009

It's very important when it comes to food allergies that you be honest with yourself. Ignoring even the slightest seemingly insignificant reaction could be an import warning from your body, that bigger more severe issues are right around the corner. I found this out the hard way with my own allergies (Soy and Dairy), and paid for it later in life. For years I was getting allot of wax buildup in my ears, and experiencing great pain deep within either ear, if I tried to sleep on my side. I was also having the typical gastrointestinal issues that one usually experiences when they have a dairy intolerance, but just like the ear issue I was ignoring the warning signs.

When the body doesn't digest food properly, especially on a regular basis, the lining of your intestines becomes compromised, and because the condition of your intestines is a direct indicator of the condition of your immune system the damage being done can have severe consequences. A weekend immune system opens the door to a world of problems, creating the perfect environment for unwanted bacteria and parasites to flourish making you susceptible to any number of viruses or diseases.

So be smart and listen to what your body is telling you, because you’re only fooling yourself.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

The benefit of homemade meals is that you're in the driver’s seat when it comes to the ingredient decision making. You have total control over keeping it healthy by choosing fresh minimally processed (or unprocessed) organic ingredients, as well as creating a flavor popping dish the entire family can enjoy.

What better way to bring your meal to life than with organic spices. Not only will you be adding flavor to favorite dish, but you and your family will be reaping the health benefits of nature’s medicine cabinet.

So whether your adding some organic cinnamon (lowering of cholesterol and blood sugar levels, boost cognitive function), or some organic ginger (ability to sooth the upset stomach, prevent motion sickness), sprinkling on some organic turmeric, cumin, or curry powder (a natural anti-inflammatory, detoxifier (liver support), anti-pain, or its positive effects towards the prevention/recover of many cancers), or adding any of the other many wonderful spices to choose from, your taste buds won’t be the only ones thanking you.

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About Me

I started this journey an unsuspected naive pawn in our countries deadly game of food manufacturing and industrial farming. As I began to see the light, I began to question everything about our food industry. What am I eating? Where did it come from? What are the health and environmental side effects? And what can I do to change? I began following a more natural holistic path for all my medical needs and in the process I discovered something profound… The natural way is the only way!

Health Fact of the Month

Sugar = Chronic Disease

I think that is a math equation anyone can solve...

Diet's high in processed foods (sugar) and grains (glucose to the body) wreek havoc on your health! They cause blood sugar spikes and interfere with the body's natural insulin response. Not to mention the inflammation they cause within the gut. Research shows that most all of today's chronic autoimmune diseases have inflammation at their core.

And before you replace those addictive refined sugars and High Fructose corn syrup with artificial sweeteners, you should know that they often lead to higher weight gain and have been shown to be very toxic due to formaldehyde conversion during digestion.

Healthy Advise

Don't use a microwave!

I dislike microwaves for two reasons, first is that they so perfectly represent today's unhealthy food-lazy society dependent upon premade prepackaged precooked nutrient deficient overly processed food. The second reason is due to the unhealthy side effects this device has on your food and ultimately your health. These devices work by "cooking" from the inside out using microwave radiation to violently excite the molecules of the food. I can assure you that this process will mutate the food at a molecular level; what comes out is not what goes in! And if you do your research you will find that this microwaved food most certainly has negative unhealthy effects on those who eat it.

Eat Smart! Buy fresh organic ingredients and use your kitchen for what it was designed... cooking!

Informative Books

*Wild Health by Cindy Engel*The Vegeterian Myth by Lierre Keith*Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements*Encyclopedia of Healing Foods*The Healing Power of Foods*The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth*Healing With Whole Foods*Never Be Sick Again*The Omnivore's Dilemma*Natural Cures They don't want you to know about

Grain Free Products

Try these healthy tasty grain free products!

Coconut Flour- In place of wheat based flours try substituting with coconut flour in all your favorite recopies. You can find coconut flour at most health food stores and some super markets, but I've found that Dr. Mercola's website has the best price for this healthy organic non-gmo grain-free flour! It's high in fiber, a good source of protein, and Gluten Free! Tip- Use about half the amount as you would wheat flour and twice the amount of eggs; increase number of eggs until you get the consistency you desire.

Coconut Oil- Coconut oil is an extremely healthy alternative to those unhealthy vegetable and grain based oils you are accustom to; like canola, corn, soy... Coconut oil is a great source of healthy saturated fat and will not oxidize when used for frying.

Coconut vinegar- Rice wine vinegar gets a lot of attention amongst today's health conscious, but what about coconut? It turns out this raw (unheated) coconut vinegar made from the sap of the coconut palm is high in nutrients and has a low glycemic index... it's a win-win!

Paleo Bread- Going gluten fee and greatly reducing grain consumption is a huge part of a healthy diet. And what better way to do this than by replacing that unhealthy bread in your fridge or cabinet with this Grain Free, Soy Free, Gluten Free, Starch Free alternative!